Being a Student Includes Washing Cars Focus on Education on Pg

October 10, 2016 Volume 20 Number 20

Being a student includes washing cars Focus on Education on pg. 19 inside Finding a way to be together 13 Snapshots 15

PM40063104 R09613 Focus on Education 19-25 2 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

Editorial thinking and new ways of looking at Honouring our founder things. In that sense, our Dick Benner founding pub- Editor/Publisher lisher lives on in the pages of Canadian e are pleased to announce context. They were one and the same. Mennonite. He gave Ted Friesen that the family of the late Ted But, it must be said, his faith was one of birth to something WFriesen, the first publisher of openness to new insights in theology, to that, even though it The Canadian Mennonite, has agreed to the Greek and Jewish foundations of our died for a short period in the early 1970s, set up—and seed with a $50,000 gift—a Christian faith, and to other faiths. He had found such a place in the hearts of fundraising initiative that we are calling was a thorough-going Mennonite, but Canadian Mennonites, it was revived in the Ted Friesen Legacy Fund. he looked outward. His faith was eastern Ontario in 1971 and has carried We hope that it will serve as an alive and changing to the very on ever since. incentive for others to follow suit end of his days. He was a seeker It was tough back then to rally the in giving major gifts to finan- of truth, not a possessor of truth.” leadership around his vision. “We be- cially stabilize the 63-year-old While the new legacy fund is a came aware of the immensity of the task publication during an uncertain fundraising initiative, it is much before us,” Ted said in a 1999 reflection. time of changing denominational more than that, having been “The church was changing. It was a per- structures. named after a person of such vision iod of flux, with the old trying to main- Friesen, who died this past February at and compassion. Ted Friesen embod- tain the status quo and the new looking the age of 95, was a visionary and church ies the sustaining vision and purpose for change to meet the needs of the time. statesman from Altona, Man., where he of Canadian Mennonite. He lives on in . . . To speak to the young people, to and his brothers established a printing the stories of our congregations and in speak prophetically to the issues of the business that survives to this day. He was reflecting our theology and practice. day, was urgent.” “at the heart of many historic develop- Just as he had the vision and initiative Sound familiar? While the issues ments in Canadian Mennonite life,” wrote to bring together the Mennonite world might have changed, the challenge to Margaret Loewen Reimer, a niece, who of the 1950s, so today there is a need to be relevant to the needs of this time are paid tribute to him in our June 6 issue. bring together our diverse body as the the same. It is a tough time for print Ted was a leader in historic develop- winds of religious and cultural change publications on the religious scene. The ments and in relief work through blow through our ranks. We are seeing 141-year-old Presbyterian Record just Mennonite Central Committee. He not our denominational centre—Mennonite announced that it will be closing with its only helped establish the first English- Church Canada—diminished in favour of December issue. Right before that, the language national publication, but, seeing new regional structures. Denominational Western Catholic Reporter said it would the need for English-language worship loyalty, so effectively rallied by Friesen more be going entirely digital. The Mennonite in his hometown of Altona, helped to than a half-century ago, is on the wane. Brethren Herald came to near-death in found, along with his wife Linie (Krahn), If Ted were in our midst today, with all recent years if not for the vigorous pro- Altona Mennonite Church in 1962. A the energy and compassion he showed test of its readers. conscientious objector himself, he never back then, he would be at the forefront of We think that Canadian Mennonite judged those who signed up, including this new era, giving leadership and voice has a central place in the ongoing conver- two of his brothers. to a new vision. He would likely look to sation of MC Canada. The Ted Friesen Son Eric wrote in his tribute to his fa- the national publication as his platform Legacy Fund will help keep it sustained. ther: “You cannot separate Dad’s and microphone to give direction and We hope you respond generously when Christian faith from the Mennonite wisdom. He would give place to creative asked for support.

About the cover: As part of Orientation Week 2016 at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ont., upper- We acknowledge the financial support of year students held a car wash to support feedfive and Ray of Hope; feedfive is an initiative started the Government of Canada through the by Grebel students several years ago that sells T-shirts as a way to buy ingredients for meals they Canada Periodical Fund for our publish- cook and serve at Ray of Hope, a local community centre. See Focus on Education on page 19. ing activities. ISSN 1480-042X PHOTO: AURREY DRAKE, CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE October 10, 2016 / Vol. 20, No. 20 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 Why Mennonite education matters 4 ‘Grounding in the arts and humanities, Bible, sciences, theology and RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO : contents CANADIAN MENNONITE, music are important to preparing students for life,’ writes educator Terry 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5, Schellenberg. ‘It’s in our church schools that the potential exists to WATERLOO, ON, N2L 6H7 bridge the silos of these disciplines and bring them together into mean- Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 ingful conversation.’ Web site: canadianmennonite.org Facebook.com/Canadian.Mennonite @CanMenno Summerbridge: Three detours in(to) ministry 12 Please send all material to be considered for publication to: Matthew Veith profiles three participants in this year’s Mennonite General submission address: [email protected] Central Committee Canada service and ministry program known as Readers Write: [email protected] Summerbridge. Milestones announcements: [email protected] Paid obituaries: [email protected] 14 Calendar announcements: [email protected] ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/ Joe Heikman, pastor of Wildwood Mennonite Obituaries/Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. Church in Saskatoon, says of his congregation’s Reprint requests: [email protected] shared meal with its Muslim neighbours, ‘It’s good Mission statement: To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing for us to include in our circles . . . people . . . who Mennonites in Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist understand God and the world very differently perspective. We do this through an independent publication and other media, work- than we do.’ ing with our church partners.

Guiding values: ‘Whatever you want, God’ 16 Hebrews 10:23-25 • Accuracy, fairness, balance • Editorial freedom • Doug Snyder answered the call of God for more than five decades. Seeking and speaking the truth in love • Open hearts and minds in discerning God’s will During that time, he served God, the church, and ‘the least and the lost.’ • Covenantal relationships and mutual accountability Area churches and MC Canada financially support 38 percent of Canadian Focus on Education 19-25 Mennonite’s annual budget. Read stories from, and about, Conrad Grebel University College, Board of Directors (by appointing body): Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Rosthern Junior College, Eastern MC Canada: Doreen Martens, Henry Krause, Rod Wiens, Elmer Hildebrand; Mennonite University, Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, Canadian MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: Kuen Yee; MC Saskatchewan: vacant; Mennonite University and Goshen College. MC Manitoba: Ken Reddig; MC Eastern Canada: Tim Reimer; CMPS: Lois Epp, Ally Siebert, Bryce Miller Board Chair: Henry Krause, [email protected], 604-838-3192 Young Voices 27-29 Young Voices editor Aaron Epp profiles the ‘faith journey’ of Krista Head Office Staff: , associate pastor of Wildwood Mennonite Church in Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Loewen Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Saskatoon, in ‘Bearing witness to something greater’; and Winnipeg Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] singer-songwriter Michaela Loewen in ‘Growing up on record.’ Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Aaron Epp, Young Voices Editor, [email protected] Virginia Hostetler, Web Editor, [email protected] Regular features: For discussion 6 Readers write 7 Milestones 10 Advertising Manager: D. Michael Hostetler, [email protected], A moment from yesterday 11 Online NOW! 17 toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Schools Directory 26 Calendar 30 Classifieds 31 Correspondents: Will Braun, Senior Writer, [email protected] Honouring our founder 2 Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected] Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, [email protected] Dick Benner Donna Schulz, Saskatchewan Correspondent, [email protected] Beth Downey Sawatzky, Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected] Learning to follow the Jesus way 8 Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, [email protected] Phil Wagler One-Year Subscription Rates Canada: $46 + tax (depends on province where subscriber lives) Becoming Mennonite 9 U.S.: $68 International (outside U.S.): $91.10 Patrick Kwame Kukanu Subscriptions/address changes: (e-mail) [email protected] Printed in Canada Award-winning (web) canadianmennonite.org CMCA member of the AUDITED (phone) 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 Canadian Church Press Focus on Education Feature Why Mennonite education matters By Terry Schellenberg Special to Canadian Mennonite

hy should young people from our congregations choose a Christian college or university like Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ont., or Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg, instead of a public university?” The question posed to me for this piece is often seen as the either-or choice for students, and the obvious starting point for conversation. While not unimportant, I wonder whether a different, perhaps more foundational, question is more helpful: “Should Mennonite schools matter to the church at all?” And if so, what might such “mattering” look like? This question points to the heart of these schools as much as to the church that birthed them. Neglecting it also shapes identity and purpose, and over time unties a relation- Grounding in the arts and humanities, ship that I’m convinced is mutually essential to both church and Bible, sciences, theology and music school. Young adults from our congregations are choosing from many are important to preparing students excellent public university and college programs and degrees. for life. It’s in our church schools that They are finding career success in widely varying fields. Each of the three church schools named is connected variously and in the potential exists to bridge the silos vital ways with public university systems. And while I resist the of these disciplines and bring them manner in which public universities can position themselves as “value neutral” and as “the economic engines of society”— together into meaningful conversation. “innovatively preparing students for the world of tomorrow”— there is much that happens within and through them that is important. Our church’s questions revolve not around whether our young adults have adequate study and career options available. Rather, as part of a calling out of their vocation, we must wrestle with how a vision for faith, character, peoplehood and witness are formed and deepened. It’s from these questions that the church can also imagine and call out a vision to strengthen the vocation of its schools. Grebel, CMU and Columbia were birthed by different Canadian Mennonite communities, in unique geographical and cultural contexts. Particular theological, educational and church Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 5

impulses shaped the vision and pro- thirsty for opportunities, through a range fear, learning Jesus’ way of peace and gram of each one. Over time, much has of disciplines and experiences, to think reconciliation, and living a passion for changed in society, church and school. critically and reflectively on God, the justice and for how God’s Spirit can make We in the church confront a range of world and their place in it. us whole, matters. opportunities and strains. While each of It takes time and intentional practice to It’s also in each of our schools that our church schools has shaped a unique nurture a trusting faith and to build and we can nurture a vocational call for our programmatic focus, all three continue to renew foundations for following Jesus church’s young adults who are pursu- exist from the heart of the church. None Christ in life. Our schools have unique ing diverse career paths as business and of them exists for itself. It’s what happens capacity and, indeed, carry a sacred trust tradespeople, medical practitioners, through and beyond them that matters. to open Christian faith in a complicated engineers, farmers and much more. It’s My care for the church has been nur- world, and to formulate wise questions here that their passions are brought into tured by people, and the life and witness that help reveal God’s mystery and conversation with faith, and their inmost of Mennonite congregations, in Calgary; presence. longings with the world’s need. Alsace, France; Elkhart, Ind.; Kitchener- They are places in which young adults Waterloo; and Winnipeg. I have also been connect with others who are part of Model invitational community privileged to attend to work in various the wider, diverse communion of God’s The longing of young adults for connec- Mennonite schools. I’m absolutely con- people. Here, they are intentionally invit- tion in community tempers the individ- vinced that these schools matter to the ed to patient discernment of the Bible as ualized impulse of our culture. It also witness of our church and to the young a guide to faithfulness. It’s in the classes, speaks a hopeful narrative within our adults who find their way within them. hallways, dining halls and residences of own sometimes splintered church story. At times, my caring for church and these schools that students learn and Our schools have such potential to school can also be threaded with frustra- practise the counter-testimony narratives nurture formative communities, with tion. We in the church struggle with how and paradigms that form faith. faculty mentors playing a critical part. to tend and strengthen these schools. It’s also in our schools that an under- Learning to dialogue about faith and life At times, we’ve been uncertain how to standing of our Anabaptist theological with those who share similar convictions, engage in the meaningful or complex particularity is opened for students— and with others whose convictions are conversations about our church’s hopes, often for the first time. Invariably when other than their own, is a gift to students. needs and strains. Our church often hesi- we are most comfortable with “being Our church has much to learn from the tates to cast a vision for our young adults Mennonite,” we are most open to “being generous and broad hospitality cultivated for why these schools matter deeply to ecumenical”—to contributing generously in these schools. the faith and the peoplehood we long to to, and learning with humility from, the embody. We can be quick to name our diversity of God’s people. Think and connect schools’ insufficiencies and failures— Anabaptist Christians bring particu- Our church and society are confronted indeed, both schools and church have lar convictions and gifts to the table: with straining complexities of economic them. In our struggle, we as a church fail Scripture and the Sprit give witness to and ecological resilience, migrations of ourselves as much as our schools. God’s voice; truth should be lived; Jesus people, dialogue about science, technol- Here’s what I’m convinced our church meant what he said, and he was talking to ogy and social agency, and much more. schools are called to: us; Jesus’ vision of salvation is rooted in The commitment of our church schools relationship with a merciful God and is to have students think about life and faith Be Christian, be Anabaptist tied to compassion in our world; disciples with all its mysteries, to imagine boldly, The young adults from our congregations are formed essentially and inseparably to ask questions of every kind, and to long for places in which to authentically within living, worshipping communities connect their heads with their hearts, explore and deepen their faith. They are of faith; and, in a world of violence and is to be valued. Connecting students to 6 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

conversations with current voices, and While each of our church schools has shaped a unique with writers, thinkers and questions offered long before we came on the scene, programmatic focus, all three continue to exist from is critical. the heart of the church. None of them exists for itself. It’s Our church needs Anabaptist leaders whose faith, relational skill, and what happens through and beyond them that matters. creative vision for mission and witness help us to more intentionally be the church. Nurturing broadly educated, form our young adults and to have our can, with conviction, offer compelling bold, entrepreneurial pastoral leaders in scholars listen attentively to, and walk alternatives to young adults and their in- our schools is essential to our church’s alongside, the church in facing complex fluencers who are considering a plethora future. No less important is to prepare strains. of post-secondary options. l our young adults who will be teachers, Indeed, I’m convinced that church and healthcare professionals, accountants, school serve as vital anchoring points for Terry carpenters and musicians, to be as the other. They each function as necessary Schellenberg theologically attuned for the life of faith symbols for the other, communicating that has been the as they are for their careers. Training biblical scholarship and theological reflec- external vice- theologically literate leaders—formal tion matter across every discipline and president at and lay—who catch, reflect on and live through all of life. As in any relationship, CMU since into a vision for God’s kingdom is an es- lack of intentional connection can too eas- 2009. In addi- sential calling. ily push school and church apart, and we tion to teach- Finally, I believe these schools can neglect or take one another for granted, to ing, his career serve as a frontline laboratory for our the detriment of both. has included church, helping the church think care- We—in school and church—must 20 years of service as a junior-high and fully about what it means to be faithful care enough to tend and carry the gift high school principal in Alberta and and transformative in all its dimen- and the strains into conversations that Ontario. He graduated from Canadian sions. Where else are young adults and strengthen our shared vocation and our Mennonite Bible College, one of CMU’s Christian scholars from many disciplines capacity to make pilgrimage together. founding colleges, in 1979. He is a mem- dedicating themselves to think clearly Our Mennonite schools matter a great ber of Home Street Mennonite Church, and critically about the world in all its deal to the young adults and the church Winnipeg. forms? they serve. When such vision is clear, we Grounding in the arts and humanities, Bible, sciences, theology and music are important to preparing students for life. It’s in our church schools that the ΛΛFor discussion potential exists to bridge the silos of these disciplines and bring them together into 1. What Mennonite schools have members of your congregation attended? What was meaningful conversation. It’s there that the vision that drove the founding of these schools? How does the broader church academic study and a rigorous pursuit benefit from strong church schools? of truth in our living are threaded. As 2. How much does your congregation encourage young people to consider attending Christian scholars in our schools root Mennonite schools? Terry Schellenberg confesses his frustration when it seems the themselves in living, worshipping faith church has no vision for why church schools matter. Do you share his frustration? communities, their thinking and teaching are strengthened by the church’s under- 3. Schellenberg suggests that church schools are good places for young people to standing of God and its witness in the “explore and deepen their faith” as they “think critically and reflectively on God, the world. world and their place in it.” Is this an important motivation for students who attend these schools? What role do parents and the church play in these decisions? Are the “Should Mennonite schools matter to schools you know successful in helping students deepen their faith? the church at all?” Perhaps we as a church 4. Schellenberg writes, “[T]hese schools can serve as a frontline laboratory for our pose this question and engage in its pos- church” as scholars “think clearly and critically about the world.” Can you think of sibilities too infrequently. I am convinced examples of students helping to present new ideas to the church? Is the Emerging that both church and school are strength- Voices Initiative an example? ened by caring enough to call out a vision for who we might be together. There is —By Barb Draper unique capacity in our schools to help Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 7

Viewpoints EE ‘Affluenza’ should trump ‘gender’ issue for Mennonites

ΛΛReaders write As community-oriented Anabaptists, we should be spending more time on “affluenza” than on We welcome your comments and publish most letters from the “gender” issue. subscribers. Letters, to be kept to 300 words or less, are Richard Rohr, the contemporary Franciscan monk, the opinion of the writer only and are not to be taken as said it well: “Living in this consumer-driven world, we endorsed by this magazine or the church. Please address are all deeply infected by what some call ‘affluenza,’ a issues rather than individuals; personal attacks will not toxic and blinding disease with the basic assumption appear in print or online. In light of the many recent letters that more is always better and more of self is always on the topic of sexuality, we will edit any letter on this topic good. It is fair to say that such invisible assumptions of to a paragraph and post the rest online at www.canadian- any culture are as toxic and as blinding as the so-called mennnonite.org. All letters are edited for length, style and ‘hot sins’ of drunkards and prostitutes, though they adherence to editorial guidelines. Send them to letters@ are much harder to recognize as ‘sin’ because we are all canadianmennonite.org and include the author’s contact inside the same agreed-upon bubble.” information and mailing address. Preference is given to Richard Penner, Calgary letters from MC Canada congregants.

Mennonite Church British Columbia Symphony Hymns Sunday, October 30th, 2016 at 3:00pm Level Ground Mennonite Churchof | 31216 King Rd; Abbotsford, BC V2T 6C2 An offering will be taken to strengthen church health connections and for MCBC outreach ministries.&

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CABINETS Violin Piano Flute Voice 8 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

EE Mennonite institutions are that these well-regarded institutions are forsaking playing the ‘name change’ game their Mennonite “noms-de-marketplace.” My support for these name changes is more along Mennonite Savings and Credit Union recently the lines of a theological or ecclesiological argument. changed its name to Kindred. Mennonite Foundation Outside of congregations and conferences, the word of Canada is on its way to becoming known as “Mennonite” should be used only when the organ- Abundance. ization is directly and fully accountable through its Some Mennonites are disappointed, if not upset, governing structure to Mennonite churches. It’s not

Outside the Box Learning to follow

because we don’t really know how to live the Jesus way in his kingdom, or we have fallen more in Phil Wagler love with our ideas about Jesus than with Jesus himself. And to be in full compli- ou obey every day. You obey the happens. What is the Jesus way? Those ance with our Lord, we must also be legislations of government—even who identify themselves with the Father, teaching others this same radical obedi- Ythose you don’t agree with. You Son and Spirit become disciples as ence. This is discipleship. obey an employer, school teacher or par- they are taught to observe and keep by So let us consider the Jesus way this ent. Some have to heed all three on the practice the teachings of Christ. Did simply: For this week, choose a command same day. Much of life seems to be about you catch the nuance? Disciples need of Jesus and actually do it. And don’t pick some form of compliance, doesn’t it? to be taught to obey. Not simply taught one you like. If you are wired to love the And, as a general rule, we are more ready principles, concepts, ideas or wonderful message that no one comes to the Father to obey an authority we trust, respect and truths. The teaching is unto obedience in except through him, maybe just wash love. the way of our heavenly king. someone’s feet. If you are thrilled with his Matthew 28:18-20 records Jesus’ send- This is significant. And it is a significant command to love the least and margin- ing command to his disciples after his cultural challenge, for we love the idea alized, then obey him when he says to resurrection: “All authority in heaven of ideas. We scramble after teachings, shout his good news from the rooftops. and on earth has been given to me. Go, blogs and ramblings like this one. We are And when you’ve done a week of this, therefore, and make disciples of all na- flailing in the information age. However, and have actually been not just a hearer tions, baptizing them in the name of the it was not actually Jesus’ hope that we of his Word, but a doer, then go and teach Father and of the Son and of the Holy bloat our brains or read books that agree someone how to do the same. Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I with our interpretations of what he said. I’m thinking that if just a few of us take have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Let’s be honest, many of us really don’t The emphasis here, of need more information, but we do need course, is the authorita- tive directive for those to practise what we know he said. who love Jesus to go and make disciples. This is for all peoples and His commission is for disciples to act like up this challenge, we may be trans- nations. This is about being immersed in him, to practise God-like-ness. formed, see Jesus more clearly, and make a new Trinitarian family identification. Let’s be honest, many of us really don’t disciples who don’t just know about our And then there is the teaching to observe need more information, but we do need Lord, but are actually more like him. what Jesus has commanded to the end of to practise what we know he said. To be days. even more forthright, we may actually Phil Wagler ([email protected]) lives Now let’s slow down a bit. Go back need someone to help us learn how in Surrey, B.C., with his family. He’s learn- and look at how disciple-making actually to obey what Jesus has commanded, ing to obey Jesus every day. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 9

good enough if all or most of the members and people church-accountable. Mennonite Central Committee, on the board or in senior leadership are self-identified on the other hand, is without a doubt within the Mennonites. Mennonite church-controlled fold. Both are worthy of Maybe a bunch of Mennonite businesspeople want support. Only one should use the name. to band together to help others. Well, Mennonite For better or worse, there is no Mennonite decision- Economic Development Associates (MEDA) al- making body that can draw a legal line in the sand ready exists. But in my world it should not use on the use of the word “Mennonite.” That’s part of the word “Mennonite” because it is not directly (Continued on page 10)

New Canadian Voice

Becoming Mennonite I was raised by a man whose care for others went beyond members of his own Patrick Kwame Kukanu community. As a new Canadian Mennonite, not hen I reflect on how I became peasant needed to release the burdens only am I interested in being a part of a Mennonite, I find myself of a laborious day to God. Upon hear- efforts to keep deepening social-justice Wagreeing with what a pea- ing my intention to worship, my host consciousness even outside the church. sant once told an Irish priest. The priest, connected me to Millie and Ike Glick, Being a black man who is raising children who approached the peasant praying by who attend Holyrood Mennonite Church in Canada also makes it important for the roadside, said, “You must be close to in Edmonton, where other people from me to keep pushing in this direction in all God!” The peasant replied in a way that West Africa attend. aspects of my life, and to encourage the points to the precedence of God’s love My first day in a Mennonite church church to continue working towards fair over our faith (I John 4:19), saying, “Yes, felt wonderful. Not only did I meet fellow treatment of all peoples and groups. he is fond of me.” West Africans, I also met a guest who In the wake of the #Makeitawkward These words resonate closely with spoke my native Ewe language. Does it campaign against racism in Edmonton, my faith journey. Just as the peasant’s feel more like a home away from home one may ask whether Mennonite Church understanding of God’s love drew him to than this? Canada has a voice in this conversation. pray by a busy road, so upon arriving in Holyrood has been my spiritual home Certainly, I’ve been around Mennonites Edmonton I needed to worship because ever since, in ways that make me believe long enough to understand the tendency I believed God’s love led me here. I was that divine connections are real. Millie to remain “quiet in the land.” However, willing to worship even in a new faith and Ike have become Mom and Dad. I the days have so changed, and creative context among Mennonites. I had so much on my mind when I arrived in I feel a sense of living other than the mindless pursuit Edmonton from Ghana. of material gain, and a sense of stewarding resources in I went through a difficult immigration process to ways that promote God’s reconciling art of creation. obtain my study permit to the University of Alberta, and the date feel reconnected to characteristics of opportunities now exist through technol- I arrived didn’t help either. On Dec. 23, kindness, generosity, peace and love in ogy to creatively address these issues, 2002, there was snow on the ground and the same way I saw with my foster-uncle, even quietly. We can’t afford to wait until the temperature was in double-digits Kwadzo Tekpah, who raised me. things get out of control, as we see in the below zero. Not only did I feel lost, I This reconnection to living simply has neighbouring U.S. felt like I was in a graveyard with dead- kept me a Mennonite. I feel a sense of looking frozen trees. And Christmas living other than the mindless pursuit Patrick Kukanu is father of five. He decorations in black and red—which I of material gain, and a sense of stew- earned a master’s degree in linguistics at knew to represent mourning colours in arding resources in ways that promote the University of Alberta and a master’s Ghana—added a bizarre feeling. Could God’s reconciling art of creation. This degree in peace studies and international all these households be mourning? attitude—call it social justice—to development at Anabaptist Mennonite I needed to go to church like the Christianity continues to nurture how Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. 10 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

(Continued from page 9) and aligned them with the national labour codes of our history of splitting and reforming into various Indonesia and Cambodia, and served on the board of conferences. a Mennonite school working on conflict-resolution The Anglican Church of Canada or the United policies. Church of Canada, as alternative examples, have no The dismissals Neufeld reports are inconsistent with such problem. The national bodies control the name conventional labour practices. The pink slip, locked and can legally stop any use they see as illegitimate. out of office and sent home in a taxi method is akin To make this stick, Mennonites will just have to to a summary dismissal, reserved for only serious preserve their name for church-controlled bodies using offences. The message in these dismissals communi- nonviolent pressure, while isolating and inviting offend- cates that the agency has lost faith in personnel with ers who inappropriately use the word “Mennonite” to long records of faithfulness, and they no longer can be cease and desist. If they don’t change, then prayer for trusted. Fair and compassionate treatment, transpar- their change of heart will be the last resort. ency, consistency and due process are foundational In the meantime, welcome Kindred and Abundance. values in good personnel practices. What Neufeld John Siebert, Waterloo, Ont. reports is not new in our Mennonite agencies. Granted, organizations have good reasons to protect sensitive data and reputations from “vindictive vandal- EE Mennonites should speak up ism.” Technologies safeguarding data are available to about Muslim head coverings guard against it. But when trust is compromised, an insidious toxin seeps in. “Will I also be treated that Maybe I’ve missed it in your articles, but it seems way?” burns into the soul. to me that Mennonites are uniquely positioned to help How is it that we so easily relinquish our cherished Canadians see the wearing of the hijab in a different peace and reconciliation values—and tried and tested perspective. means to “operationalize” them—when push comes to Old Order and Conservative Mennonite women’s shove with corporate values and methods? “Humbly coverings may not cover as much as a hijab, but it’s arrogant” power and anxiety are toxic to the soul of making a similar statement. I’d be interested in hear- our cherished organizations. Cannot our agencies be ing more of their stories. leaders in organizational health? I enjoyed the story that the late Ada Barg of Red Allen Harder, Abbotsford, B.C. Deer, Alta., told me about her time as a young lady when she was Ada Burkholder in nurse’s training at a Toronto hospital. After a month of training, she ΛΛMilestones was told that she would need to wear the traditional Births/Adoptions nurse’s cap, instead of her head covering. This had never occurred to her, since the covering was allowed Burt—Nicholas (b. Sept. 2, 2016), to Tamara and Mitch in the Kitchener, Ont., hospital. So, instead of giving Burt, Floradale Mennonite, Ont. in, she quit and her life took her to Alberta, where she Cressman—Finnley Grace (b. Sept. 6, 2016), to Ruth and trained as a teacher. Adam Cressman, Listowel Mennonite, Ont. Now, no one would wear that nurse’s cap, so I won- Derksen—Kelsie Renee (b. Aug. 17, 2016), to Brian and der if 50—or even 10—years from now we will bother Rachel Derksen, Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. discussing the hijab. Ermias—Zayma Layousha (b. Aug. 28, 2016), to Meron Linda Garland, Bluevale, Ont. MeKonnen and Ermias Gebresselassie, Glenlea Mennonite, Man. EE ‘What Neufeld reports is not Keane—Eila Sapphira Michal (b. Sept. 14, 2016), to Chrissy new in our Mennonite agencies’ and Jeff Keane, Faith Mennonite, Leamington, Ont. Neal—Kaliana Charliese Ilona (b. Sept. 7, 2016), Anysa and Josh Neal, Niagara United Mennonite, Niagara-on-the-Lake, services are no longer required,” Re: “When your Ont. Aug. 29, page 4. Shantz—Kenzie Claire (b. July 27, 2016), to Cody and Henry Neufeld’s feature is courageous and long Meggy Shantz, Wellesley Mennonite, Ont. overdue. One thing I have learned in senior leader- Wiens—Preslee Sloane (b. April 24, 2016), to Melissa and ship in Mennonite Central Committee and World Dustin Wiens, Glenlea Mennonite, Man. Vision international offices over a lifetime of service is Woeschka—Everly Rose (b. Aug. 16, 2016), to Nicole and that healthy personnel practices are the heartbeat of a Tyler Woeschka, Floradale Mennonite, Ont. healthy organization. I developed personnel policies Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 11

Baptisms Dyck—Betty (nee Saunderson), 90 (b. April 17, 1926; d. Aug. 4, 2016), Osler Mennonite, Sask. Kevin Stoesz—Foothills Mennonite, Calgary, Sept. 4, 2016. Enns—Annie (nee Klassen), 84 (b. Feb. 20, 1932; d. Sept. 5, 2016), St. Catharines United Mennonite, Ont. Marriages Hiebert—Sarah, 75 (b. Aug. 30, 1940; d. Aug. 27, 2016), Osler Mennonite, Sask. Cressman/O’Brien—Sauve Cressman (Breslau Mennonite, Martin—Angela “Angie” (nee Thomas), 46 (b. Oct. 1, 1969; Ont.) and Colin O’Brien at Breslau Mennonite, Ont., Aug. 27, d. Aug. 4, 2016), Floradale Mennonite, Ont. 2016. Martin—Eileen (nee Gingrich), 63 (b. Oct. 24, 1952; d. Aug. Good/Zehr—Daryl Good (Breslau Mennonite, Ont.) and 9, 2016), Community Mennonite, Drayton, Ont. Amy Zehr, at the Good farm near Waterloo, Ont., Aug. 5, Martin—Ermina (nee Martin), 90 (b. Dec. 23, 1925; d. Sept. 2016. 3, 2016), Floradale Mennonite, Ont. MacArthur/Sjoelin—Sandra MacArthur (Osler Martin—Janet (nee Ranck), 71 (b. July 29, 1945; d. Sept. 7, Mennonite, Sask.) and Torben Sjoelin, Sept. 3, 2016. 2016), St. Agatha Mennonite, Ont. McGill/Reesor—Matt McGill (Breslau Mennonite, Ont.) Millar—Anne (nee Eby), 94 (b. April 16, 1922; d. Sept. 10, and Maria Reesor at Breslau Mennonite, Ont., Aug. 27, 2016. 2016), Stirling Avenue Mennonite, Kitchener, Ont. Metzger/Thomson—Chris Metzger (Community Miller—Anne, 84 (b. Sept. 27, 1931; d. Aug. 29, 2016), First Mennonite, Drayton, Ont.) and Brianne Thomson, in Mennonite, Saskatoon. Ottawa, Aug. 13, 2016. Musselman—Marjorie (nee Bachert), 91 (b. May 2, 1925; d. Rubenschuh/Wiens—Josh Rubenschuh and Elisabeth Sept. 5, 2016), Stirling Avenue Mennonite, Kitchener. Wiens, Niagara United Mennonite, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Nichol—George, 63 (b. April 16, 1953; d. Sept. 5, 2016), Ont., Aug. 20, 2016. Listowel Mennonite, Ont. Rogalsky—Helen (nee Warkentin), 90 (b. Feb. 8, 1926; d. Deaths Aug. 8, 2016), Glenlea Mennonite, Man. Wall—Rudy, 85 (b. Sept. 25, 1930; d. Sept. 10, 2016), Bender—Olive, 92 (b. Feb. 4, 1924; d. Sept. 20, 2016), Vineland United Mennonite, Ont. Tavistock Mennonite, Ont. Warkentin—Frank Eric, 77 (b. March 29, 1939; d. Aug. 17, Braun—Susan, 95 (b. June 23, 1921; d. Aug. 27, 2016), 2016), Glenlea Mennonite, Man. Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. Wiens—Margaret (nee Dick), 94 (b. June 24, 1922; d. Aug. Burklen—Ron, 55 (b. Jan. 17, 1961; d. Aug. 6, 2016), St. 30, 2016), Glenlea Mennonite, Man. Agatha Mennonite, Ont.

A moment from yesterday

Henry Neufeld, right, spent a lifetime building positive relationships among Mennonite and indigenous peoples. He is pictured standing beside Pastor Jeremiah Ross from Cross Lake, Man., at a Conference of Mennonites in Canada (now Mennonite Church Canada) conference in Vancouver in 1981. In 1968, Neufeld was given permission to build a house and to live with the people of Little Grand Rapids. A letter signed by 49 residents of the community demonstrating support for this relationship is preserved in the Heritage Centre archives. At the opening of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation archive at the University of Manitoba, former grand chief Phil Fontaine said that in his 10-year residential school experience, he “encountered so many very committed, outstanding, generous people in the schools [he] attended.” Text: Conrad Stoesz Photo: Conference of Mennonites in Canada Photo Collection / Mennonite Heritage Centre

archives.mhsc.ca 12 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

God at work in the Church Summerbridge, she resisted: “I initially said no because of my English.” But she cut down her work hours and took the risk, taking on Vacation Bible Summerbridge: Three School, family retreat camps, church website updates and coordination of a local food bank, doing it all in English. detours in(to) ministry The experience brought out the best Story and Photo by Matthew Veith in her. “[My daughter] was always telling Special to Canadian Mennonite me, ‘Mom, you look happy today. Are you happy?’ ” she says with a laugh. “Before, I was re you on a tour?” Brethren in Christ churches are provided going to church just to learn, but now I want “A Squinting in the summer sun- with a stipend that allows them to engage to be involved in everything I can be.” light, we glanced across the street as a man in service or ministry projects. stepped out of his car. Guilty as charged. Cheng completed a bachelor’s degree Mitche Mealey Our walking neighborhood tour, com- with a double major in business man- Summerbridge can also provide a re-cen- posed of members and friends of Home agement and social science at Canadian tring of a defined career path. Street Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, Mennonite University. “[It] was a complex Mitch Mealey is a busy freelance graphic had come to stop at St. Kateri Tekakwitha degree that provided me with a different designer and a married father of two living Aboriginal Catholic Parish on Ellice perspective in community development,” in Moncton, N.B. Summerbridge allowed Avenue in the heart of the city’s West End. says Cheng, who had not worked in min- him to approach seven different churches “Would you like to see inside?” istry before, but wanted to experience and non-profits in his community, and give Introducing himself as a member of the some of what he had studied in action. each a week of his time. staff of the parish, he unlocked the doors As part of his service project, he planned “My favourite parts were interviewing and led us to the sunlit rectangular sanc- workshops at Winnipeg Harvest, organ- them, and learning about their passions tuary. Around the room, symbols, figures ized young adult events and good soil and what they’re involved in,” he says. and images greeted us in the stillness, workshops, mentored a high schooler, He designed T-shirts, made logos, up- some familiar and some not. Our new helped rebuild Home Street’s website and dated old flyers and coached people on friend spoke about what we were seeing, even did some church renovation. how to think about visuals. the story of St. Kateri, and a bit of the his- “Sometimes I think, ‘Why am I doing tory of the parish and its parishioners. All Soraya Canales-Galdamez this?’ ” he says. “What kind of depth am I smiles, we thanked him for the surprise A distinctive of Summerbridge is its focus adding to the world?’” detour, said our goodbyes, and continued on a participant’s immediate context. But the experience has reminded him of our tour with renewed enthusiasm. Soraya Canales-Galdamez emigrated the honest purpose in his work. He says, “I Planning that walking neighborhood two-and-a-half years ago to Vancouver will always try to see the face of my client tour was just one of many adventures Jim with her family, where she now attends and bring it closer to the face of the ones Cheng had as a Summerbridge partici- First United Spanish Mennonite Church. they are speaking [with].” pant at Home Street Mennonite this past Originally a journalist in her native El summer. Summerbridge is a Mennonite Salvador, she has struggled with adjusting What links these experiences is a sharp- Central Committee Canada program in to life and her job in Canada. er grasp of the heart of God in community. which participants from Mennonite and When a friend suggested trying “I would not be doing this kind of work without my faith,” says Cheng. “Going to church is not just about me. It is also about others: those you serve, those who serve you and those whom you serve with.” l

To learn about Summerbridge, visit mcccanada.ca/ summerbridge.

Matt Veith is a guest Manitoba correspondent. He also works as a freelance Members of a walking neighbourhood tour of Winnipeg’s West End are given a surprise graphic designer in Winnipeg, where he tour of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Aboriginal Catholic Parish. The tour was organized by attends Home Street Mennonite Church. Jim Cheng, Summerbridge participant and Home Street Mennonite Church member. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 13

of listening, not back-and-forth discussion. Finding a way to be together “People are passionate about this issue,” says Garry Janzen, MC B.C. executive min- B.C. pastors use ‘listening circle’ to express their ister who led the meeting. “How can we views on what it means to be a ‘faithful church’ co-exist? We wanted to find a way to be together. That was the goal.” By Amy Dueckman MC B.C. leadership acknowledge that B.C. Correspondent congregations differ from each other on this complicated issue, and there is also a lack of month after a pastors-only meet- Mennonite in Richmond on Sept. 20 for unity within individual congregations. Aing, Mennonite Church B.C. con- a time of listening to each other. Peace According to Janzen, a variety of opin- gregations are being invited to give their Mennonite Pastor Winston Pratt supplied a ions emerged as the pastors shared their personal views on the national church’s small cross used as a “talking stick” that was viewpoints. Some spoke in favour of a tra- Being a Faithful Church (BFC) 7 resolu- passed respectfully from speaker to speaker, ditional understanding of heterosexual mar- tion on same-sex marriage at Emmanuel in order to give each person an opportunity riage only; some were in favour of the BFC7 Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, begin- to briefly share their thoughts on the reso- resolution that acknowledges differences of ning at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 22. lution passed at MC Canada’s Assembly opinion on committed same-sex relation- More than 40 pastors met at Peace 2016 in Saskatoon in July. This was a time ships and calls for continued discernment. Some said that having differences of opinion among sister congregations was not a fellowship breaker, and that their ΛΛStaff changes congregation could co-exist with others Pastoral transitions in Alberta in the church family having another view. Other pastors talked of the possibility of • Dan Graber, Mennonite Church Alberta’s area conference minister, is their congregation breaking ties with MC resigning his position effective Oct. 31. He has served in the three-quarter- Canada over this issue. l time position for five years, commuting from his home in Regina. On Nov. 1, he begins a new pastoral assignment at North Star Mennonite Church in Drake, Sask. The change allows Graber to be closer to home and his wife Rose, who is a pastor at Grace Mennonite in Regina. A Holy lAnd • Tim Wiebe-Neufeld has been hired by MC Alberta for the new po- ExpEriEncE sition of future directions coordinator. The quarter-time position will A Middle eAst study tour represent Alberta in the Future Directions process as a plan for changes to of isrAel/PAlestine And JordAn MC Canada structures is developed. He is currently serving as co-pastor of Edmonton First Mennonite Church. experience People in Conflict —By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Walk in the footsteps of david and Jesus Pastoral transitions in Ontario April 26-May 15, 2017 www.cmu.ca/met2017 • Susan Allison-Jones began as pastor of Wilmot Mennonite Church on Sept. 1. She has a bachelor of arts and religion degree from Canadian Nazarene College, bachelor of arts and education degrees from the University of Winnipeg, and a master of theological studies degree from Conrad Grebel University College. She served as MC Eastern Canada youth minister from 1988 to 1999, as associate pastor of Breslau Mennonite Church from 1999 to 2003, as a supply chaplain at Parkwood Mennonite Home in Waterloo, and as pastoral supply at Calvary Mennonite Church in Ayr for four months in 2014. • Ben Cassels began as the minister of Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite Church in Waterloo on Sept. 15. He has a master of theological studies degree from Conrad Grebel University College and a bachelor of theology degree from Emmanuel Bible College. Previously, he served as minister of missional formation at Waterloo North Mennonite Church, tour leaders Waterloo, from 2011 to 2016, and as youth pastor at Glencairn Mennonite Brethren Gerald Gerbrandt sheila Klassen-Wiebe Church in Kitchener in from 2006 to 2009. email: [email protected] —By Dave Rogalsky CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY 14 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

God at work in the World the University of Saskatchewan on the topic of misconceptions surrounding Islam. There, they met several women from the Ahmadiyya community. “Conversation turned into friendship and expanded into organized events with [the Ahmadiyya] women’s group: a board game event, a tour of the Mennonite Central Committee Saskatchewan building, shared meals,” said Heikman. Some members also attended a public open house at the mosque last winter, he added, and several “attended a public Ramadan event this summer, where we were invited to observe their prayers, discuss what fast- ing means to them, and break the fast at The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, ‘Love for all, hatred for none,’ graces sundown with a fantastic meal.” the cake that formed the centrepiece of the dessert buffet at the potluck meal shared Heikman sees these endeavours as part by the Islamic community and Wildwood Mennonite Church. of his congregation’s witness to its surrounding community. In his Sept. 13 blog post, he wrote, “If we are to love our neighbours and our world as Jesus calls us to do, ‘Love for all, we need to know and understand people who are different from us. . . . It is good for hatred for none’ us to include in our circles and, yes, our church experiences, people who have lived Saskatoon congregation shares meal with Muslim neighbours in other countries, who have distinctive cultural practices, who understand God Story and Photo by Donna Schulz and the world very differently than we do.” Saskatchewan Correspondent Ahmadiyya Muslims are a small minor- SASKATOON ity within the larger Islamic faith, and have suffered discrimination and persecution at t isn’t every day that Mennonites share likeness of Jesus. Minhas explained that the hand of other Muslims, who consider Ia potluck meal with Muslims. Yet the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at supports them heretics. They are also a distinct min- this is what happened when Wildwood the humanitarian work of its independent ority in Canadian society, and value the Mennonite Church in Saskatoon invit- charity organization, Humanity First. good will of their Mennonite neighbours. ed members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim “A lot of what you’re sharing resonates “The opinions of white Christians mat- Jama’at to join them for a fellowship lunch. with us,” Heikman told his guests. He then ter a great deal in our region. And much of Following the morning worship service offered a brief history of the Mennonite the general public’s understanding of Islam on Sept. 18, about 30 Muslims arrived at faith. Citing Palmer Becker, Heikman said, is warped by fear and misunderstanding,” the church bearing food and good will. Joe “We are first and foremost followers of said Heikman. “These misconceptions and Heikman, the congregation’s pastor, wel- Jesus. Community is the centre of our lives stereotypes are intimidating and at times comed the guests, inviting men and boys and reconciliation is the centre of our work.” truly dangerous for our Muslim neigh- to find places on one side of the sanctuary Both Mennonites and their Muslim bours. We can show our respect by listen- while women and girls were seated on the guests worked quickly to set up tables for ing and learning.” other. Heikman reminded his audience the meal. Women and girls ate together in What does the future hold for this that at one time such seating arrangements the church foyer, while men and boys sat at friendship? were the norm in Mennonite congrega- tables in the sanctuary. Lentil curries and “We’ve talked about the possibility of tions as well. savoury rice dishes graced the buffet along- sharing in some local service projects to- Imam Khalid Minhas described his side more familiar fare. Lively conversation gether, so that may be a next step,” said branch of Islam as peaceable, its motto be- followed as these neighbours ate together. Heikman. “And there are natural connec- ing “Love for all, hatred for none.” They call The meal was not the first opportunity tions through work and school and living themselves Messianic Muslims, believing these communities had to get to know one in a small city. These truly are our neigh- that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) another. In the fall of 2015, some women bours, so friendships are there if we’re was a divinely appointed messiah in the from the congregation attended an event at open to them.” l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 15

PHOTO BY WILL BRAUN

Members of Pembina Mennonite Fellowship in Morden, Man., and Covenant Mennonite Church in nearby Winkler celebrate Mexican Independence Day with seasonal agricultural workers employed locally. SnapshotsGod at work in the World

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE B.C. PHOTO

Children at this year’s Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) B.C. Festival for World Relief in Abbotsford colour their coin boxes. The 47th annual event raised more than a million dollars, a first for MCC B.C. and $200,000 more than last year’s festival. This year’s funds are going to support MCC’s work with refugees around the world and in British Columbia. 16 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

PHOTO BY JULIE SNYDER-PENNER God at work in Us ‘Whatever you want, God’ Doug Snyder answered the call for more than five decades

By Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent

oug Snyder retired (again) on Aug. D28, this time as pastor of St. Agatha Mennonite Church, west of Waterloo. Born in 1941, Snyder remembers going “there is a place here for you if you want forward at a Brunk tent meeting in 1952 it.” But Doug chose Goshen (Ind.) College, and being baptized that year at Erb Street where he studied sociology and the Bible Doug Snyder offers prayer at St. Agatha Mennonite Church in Waterloo by his for three years, taking H.S. Bender’s last Mennonite Church, from which he re- pastor, Bishop J. B. Martin, who was also Anabaptist history course during that time. tired at the end of August. principal of the Ontario Mennonite Bible While there, his father came for a visit be- School and Institute held each winter in cause, Doug said, “he had something to Kitchener, Ont. Throughout his life, Doug talk to me about.” Etril told his son that In 1976, Frank Epp of Conrad Grebel has held Martin as a “model of ministry.” the Erb Street congregation wanted him to College in Waterloo called Doug to join Eight years later, Doug and his twin work alongside Martin. A year later Martin the college in community development Don were asked to sing in a choir for a retired and Doug finished teachers college and helping establish adult education. The Billy Graham meeting held at St. Andrew’s in Stratford, Ont. task was mostly done in 1979, when Doug’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener. At the In 1964, another call took Doug and his brother, artist Peter Etril Snyder, requested end of the evening, Graham offered a second new wife Doreen Bender to Moose Factory that he manage his growing business of altar call for those who would answer the on the shore of James Bay in Northern selling art originals and prints. need for pastors and missionaries. Doug Ontario. Because he had a university de- That same year, he was asked to serve as responded, expecting that he, too, would gree, he was made vice-principal of the the interim pastor at Breslau Mennonite be bi-vocational in such work, like Martin. local school. He also led a Bible study that Church near Kitchener, followed by a While in his last year at Rockway included the resident Anglican priest and one-year stint as interim pastor at Elmira Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener, resident Roman Catholic brother. Mennonite Church, north of Waterloo. Principal Ross Bender asked Doug, “Are Ecumenism, which became a theme for Then, in 1981, Erb Street Mennonite you considering going into the ministry?” his whole ministry, coloured his report called him onto the pastoral team, where This was something leaders did often in to the Mission Board of the Mennonite he served until he first “retired” in 1999. those days and something Snyder did in Conference of Ontario and Quebec. Doreen died in 1998, and 15 months his years of pastoral work. When asked if the Mission Board should later Doug married Dorene Witmer-Rudy. The Snyder family owned Maple Lane begin a work in Moose Factory, he replied They had just begun church shopping in Dairy, and his dad Etril let him know that negatively, noting that there was enough Kitchener-Waterloo when St. Agatha Christian work there already, and another Mennonite Church, west of Waterloo, PHOTO BY BRENDA JANTZ denomination would make it even more called. The congregation was small then, confusing for the locals. and still is 15 years later. But it now has a After two years in the North, he an- strong cadre of lay leaders willing to lead swered a call to join Alvin Roth in the worship, singing and various areas of wor- London (Ont.) Mission, working with ad- ship. Doug attributes this to the “Life Lines” dicts, street people and low-income resi- portion of worship he instituted there, dur- dents. After only a year, Aaron Klassen, ing which time congregants are invited to a member of the Mennonite Central share from their lives what God was doing. Committee Ontario board called with an When asked what had remained the Doug Snyder and Dorene Rudy-Snyder invitation to serve as executive director, same through his many years of ministry, pose on the occasion of his retirement a position he would hold for eight years. he noted that all he ever did was, “whatever from ministry on Aug. 28 at St. Agatha Roth released Doug, saying, “Go, so long as you want, God.” (Ont.) Mennonite Church. you heed the call to the least and the lost.” But there has been much change. When Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 17

Martin retired, he told Doug, “By the time Online Now! you are my age [65], you won’t know the at canadianmennonite.org Mennonite church.” And pastoral expectations have changed: more education is Peacebuilding with ordinary people needed, and preachers preach less. Besides Julianne Funk works as a peacebuilder in Bosnia- that are changes of which he approves: the Herzegovina. She explores the question: How could rise of church councils, women in ministry religion be at the core of the violence there? and hospital chaplains. canadianmennonite.org/peacebuilding-Bosnia- He hopes that pastors will continue Herzegovina training congregants for both pastoral and lay leadership in the church. He believes ‘10 Young Women Changing the World’ award recipients that it is good for pastors to know that they announced can’t do everything, and that sometimes a Four Canadians are on MEDA’s list of young task needs a different person in order to women who embody an entrepreneurial spirit be successful. One of the things he taught and commitment to faith values and service. and models is self-care, especially life-long canadianmennonite.org/women-changing-world learning and an interest in world events. In retirement, Doug plans to study pray- A friend to the larger church er. “There are no more prayer meetings,” Janet Martin (1945-2016), along with her husband Wilmer, shared her he laments. “Why are we not praying for gifts to build up the body of Christ. the little kids in the war zones?” he asks, canadianmennonite.org/friend-church focussing on intercessory prayer. “Why are we not praying for the U.S. politicians and Ted Giesbrecht wins local law association award other world leaders?” A Kitchener lawyer with a varied career is recognized by his local peers Otherwise, Doug says he will “take it for practising law “with integrity, courtesy and beneficence.” easy,” and wait for the next call. Because canadianmennonite.org/Giesbrecht-award “ministry has been a joy, not a burden.” l

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canadianmennonite.org/ subscription Join in Now the joy and A regular e-roundup of generosity stories and viewpoints of this about faith at work in your holiday season community, Canada and around the world. Sign up, Mennonite Central Committee’s it’s easy and FREE. Christmas Giving Catalogue canadianmennonite.org/ is now available cmnow mcccanada.ca/mcc-christmas Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 19

Focus on Education Build a bigger table, not a higher fence Conrad Grebel University College Alumni honour refugee sponsors

Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent WATERLOO, ONT.

ed and Darlene Enns Dyck came a place for the uprooted. Tin the late 1980s to Conrad Grebel While they were being honoured, the Ted and Darlene Enns Dyck receive College in Waterloo, Ont., from Winnipeg, couple spoke of the community and team Conrad Grebel University College’s 2016 Manitoba’s urban capital. When they com- efforts that made this happen. Ten leaders Distinguished Alumni Service Award. pleted their time at Grebel, they felt a call and more than 100 volunteers have worked to co-pastor and expected to do that in at this. In the recent push for Syrian refu- “more liberal” southern Ontario. But no gees, they said yes to five families of any call came to them from there. size. Seeds Church made a home for a ΛΛStaff change When a call came, it was to Altona, rural family of 13: two parents and 11 children. New appointment will focus southern Manitoba—“the Bible Belt,” ac- Over the years, they have learned that on spirituality and aging cording to Darlene, who said at their ac- refugee families need to become family to ceptance speech during Conrad Grebel the congregation and the team supporting WATERLOO, ONT.— University College’s Distinguished Alumni them. Relationships are always first, no Jane Kuepfer has been Service Award event on Sept. 21, that their matter what role a volunteer is playing, be named the Schlegel “arrogant Winnipeg perspective” was that it filling out documentation, education, Specialist in Spirituality Altona was “a smaller table, homogeneous health or transportation. and Aging, a joint and narrow.” The Enns Dycks say that “our redemp- half-time position be- Jane Kuepfer But after pastoring as associate pastors tion is tied up with the newcomers.” tween Conrad Grebel for six years, they felt called with a group of Quoting Lilla Watson, they said, “If you University College and others to found Seeds of Life Community have come here to help me, you are wast- the Schlegel-UW Research Institute Church in Altona in 1998. In forming a ing your time. But if you have come here for Aging (RIA) at the University of congregation committed to making Jesus because your liberation is tied up with Waterloo. Kuepfer, a Grebel alumna, real in the world, Darlene said the found- mine, then let’s work together.” will now coordinate the Spirituality and ers thought in terms of metaphors like “ex- The couple have also learned that there Aging seminar at Grebel, conduct re- panding the table,” and, “Who is invited to, is strength in rural settlements, saying that search, and teach graduate courses in and belongs at, the table?” they have much to offer refugees and much spirituality and aging. Kuepfer is cur- In 2001, Seeds Church founded “Build a to learn from them. There are now 122 na- rently completing a doctorate in spirit- Village” in response to a 2001 earthquake tionalities living in southern Manitoba, a ual care and psychotherapy at Waterloo in Guatemala. The organization eventually massive change over the past 25 years. Lutheran Seminary with a dissertation helped build more than 150 homes, send- The presentation of the award was fol- focus in the area of “spirituality and aging 10 teams from Altona over the years, lowed by a panel discussion on the chal- ing.” She has an master of divinity de- and receiving two from Guatemala. lenges and rewards of refugee support gree from Emmanuel College at Toronto Four years later, the idea of settling past, present and future. l School of Theology, and a bachelor’s de- refugees in rural Manitoba was put to the gree from the University of Waterloo. church and soon a South Sudanese family A video about the Enns Dyck’s work was Kuepfer replaces Dr. Marianne came, followed by three more East African made by The Globe and Mail Mellinger, who recently retired from families. In the decade that followed, 30 and can be watched at bit.ly/ this role that was initiated 11 years ago. families comprising 200 individuals came. welcome-to-the-country. —Conrad Grebel University College They see what they are doing as providing 20 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

learning community, RJC extends this practice far beyond the confines of the school day, as students learn important life lessons together in the residence, in chapel, at retreats, on teams and in choirs. Deep learning occurs when we begin to learn from each other. This is only possible once strong relationships are in place. In his book The Courage to Teach, Parker Palmer, says, “Relational trust is built on movements of the human heart such as empathy, commitment, compassion, patience and the capacity to forgive.” Those characteristics are the same as the core “curricular” requirements of a true Christian learning environment spoken about in Philippians 2: “Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort A snapshot of RJC students who live in community. Pictured from left to right, from his love, if any common sharing in front row: Jerry Tang, Nerissa Klassen and Daniel Perrault; and back row: Connor the Spirit, if any tenderness and compas- Friesen, Shayleen Bill and Emily Heppner. sion, then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing Viewpoint out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the A learning community others.” In partnership with homes and Jim Epp churches, we at RJC seek to nurture the Rosthern Junior College development of each student’s identity and potential. My recent visitor showed recently enjoyed a visit with a We also begin the process of learning me this was the case decades ago, and it Rosthern (Sask.) Junior College (RJC) with each other. In some contexts this is still is today. l Ialumnus whose graduating class is easy and expected. It is the norm for les- from decades past. There were many sons in a classroom, beginning with our Jim Epp is the principal of Rosthern Junior smiles as we talked about old classmates, earliest school experiences. But as a true College. teammates, teachers and coaches. His stories were certainly evidence that RJC is a place where one makes friendships that Viewpoint last a lifetime, and that RJC has been a true learning community for generations. As students, teachers and staff come together each fall for a new school year, ‘One team’ at MCI we anticipate the same process of community building. First, we commit to Mennonite Collegiate Institute learning about each other, becoming familiar with each other’s stories and ur purpose at Mennonite spiritual well-being, and to develop in backgrounds. This enables each of us Collegiate Institute (MCI) in them an appreciation of our Mennonite to find many points of connection and OGretna, Man., is to educate heritage. common interest. More importantly, young people in an Anabaptist/Christian Our aim is that our students accept by learning about each other we also context, seeking to develop their God- Christ as Lord and that they be disciples begin to “find our place” in the larger given potential in terms of physical, intel- who express Christian hope by serving community. lectual, aesthetic, emotional, social and others, promoting peace and providing Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 21 Focus on Education MCI PHOTO BY VIENNA PETERS to provide broad exposure to the theory, history and application of restorative justice, will be taught by CJP professors Carl Stauffer and Johonna Turner. More spe- cialized restorative-justice courses taught by visiting faculty will also be offered during the annual Summer Peacebuilding Institute. Degree requirements will also include some of the peacebuilding courses that form the core of CJP’s master’s degree in MCI student leaders, 2015-16. conflict transformation; electives on topics such as trauma, community development, international development or organiza- Christlike leadership within the church members in order to thrive. We have felt tional development; and a research project community and secular world. the support and encouragement of many related to restorative justice. This school year is one of transition for community members, churches, alumni, Among the new degree’s distinctive MCI. Our student numbers are smaller friends and others, and for this we are aspects is that it teaches restorative jus- than usual, but we are strong. The staff thankful. We see this year as an oppor- tice in a graduate program with broad and students have decided to really tunity to re-invest in MCI in new ways. emphasis on peacebuilding and conflict embrace the phrase “One team” for this The director of student life is a new transformation. school year. position introduced to MCI and the “Restorative justice is often taught with We have introduced a new leadership leadership team this year. Harold Schlegel a rather narrow focus on applications team, and that is part of the reason why is excited to fill this role and to use it as a such as criminal justice or education,” this “One team” is so important. Interim mentorship program to create a renewed writes Howard Zehr, a CJP professor and principal Cheryl Braun mentions that low vision for the residence program. He co-director of CJP’s Zehr Institute for enrolment is an important focus in a year is not only there to provide intentional Restorative Justice. “A restorative-justice of transition, and that we are in a time leadership to the students in residence, program rooted in the frameworks of con- during which we need our community but also for the staff within that program flict transformation, trauma awareness and more than ever. at MCI. This will be a vital role during the peacebuilding provides for a much deeper While MCI is an independent school, year, as we work hard with the commu- and broader foundation, with a wide range we are reminded that we are not in this nity to be creative in our work and vision- of applications. This has often been re- alone and that we can’t do it alone. We ing, and to ensure that we are around for marked on not only by our graduates, but need our churches to invest in order another 125 years. l by people who have worked with them.” to stay vital; we need our community Another notable emphasis of the program will be its application of restorative justice theory and practices to social movements and structural change. EMU expands restorative- “We are building the curriculum around the idea that restorative justice not only af- fects the individual, but that it also has the justice course catalogue frameworks and tools and values to be ap- By Lauren Jefferson plied to systems and structural change,” says Eastern Mennonite University Stauffer. “That’s new territory [in the field].” HARRISONBURG, VA. Students in the new degree program can pick from four areas of focus for their his fall, Eastern CJP’s long-established study of restorative justice: criminal justice, TMennonite Univer- leadership in the field of re- community-building, transitional justice sity’s Center for Justice storative justice, the degree and education. The education focus will and Peacebuilding (CJP) is the first of its kind offered include partnership with EMU’s master’s debuted an expanded by a traditional, residential in education program, which currently of- course catalogue featuring graduate program at any fers a restorative justice in education con- its new master of arts de- Carl Stauffer North American university. Johonna centration and graduate certificate, and is gree in restorative justice The core restorative- Turner starting a master’s in restorative justice in program. In keeping with justice courses, designed education program in the fall of 2018. l 22 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016 Focus on Education PHOTO BY JO SCOTT

Ann L. Schultz, a 1984 Rockway Mennonite Collegiate grad, conducts the school’s alumni reunion choir in June.

Personal Reflection

swept us up in her passion for music and ‘The heart of our song’ she worked us hard. . . . I left Rockway with an unquenchable love for music. Dave Lobe Not just for the sake of music itself, but Rockway Mennonite Collegiate for the ways that music allows us to express our praise, our adoration, and even n a hot June weekend, more demonstrated in how he talked about the our sorrows, to a God who loves and than 100 Rockway Mennonite words and music that we were learning.” cares for us.” OCollegiate alumni rehearsed, Of Shantz, Rob Gascho, a 1981 grad, Our choral experience, grounded in relived and performed a Rockway choral said: “His overwhelming enthusiasm and a spiritual connection, shared with high experience. his obvious love of what he was doing school and lifelong friends, was pro- Three beloved choral directors—Jan made it impossible for a student to sit foundly moving. Overduin, Robert L. Shantz and Ann L. back and not get right into singing their In her prayer to open the program, Shultz, a 1984 graduate—each chose a lungs out.” Louise Wideman, a 1980 grad, captured the hymn and two pieces that, with prayer In tribute to Schultz, Sarah Rockway choral experience: “Singing our and reflections, were melded into a mov- Wyngaarden, a 2011 grad, said: “She prayers: that is the heart of our song.” l ing, worshipful experience. As we sat with fellow former students, PHOTO BY CHARLES KRUGER the rehearsal took us back to the days when we heard familiar chastisements, soaked in praise, made sidebar comments to bleacher mates, and sang the way we love to sing. Although, for some, much time has passed, it seemed that the rehearsal techniques, musical approaches and deeply ingrained collegiality of our teen years were brought back in an instant. Tributes to the directors were not only nostalgic, but they pointed to the pro- found and lasting influence each educator had on his or her students, and on the extended Rockway community. Of Overduin, Susan Seyler, a 1971 grad, said: “He was very particular and required us to sing accurately. We had to work hard to get it perfect, and in his quiet way, with that little smile . . . he would get the results he wanted!” Of the gifts he brought, she said, “Not the least was his great humility and his Rockway Mennonite Collegiate choir directors are pictured, from left to right: Jan example of deep Christian faith, which he Overduin; Ann L. Schultz, a 1984 grad; and Robert L. Shantz. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 23

ΛΛBriefly noted CMU recognizes distinguished Join Us! alumni with 2016 awards WINNIPEG—Two members of Mennonite Church Canada congrega- DISCOVER ROCKWAY OPEN HOUSE tions are among four recipients of 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards from Canadian Mennonite University (CMU): Thursday, November 24, 2016 • 7 - 9 pm “As a parent, I seek a school where my children can • Peter Guenther, a feel special while knowing they are only a small part of 1969 graduate of the for- something larger, where the life-giving inheritance mer Canadian Mennonite of teachings from our Mennonite forebears is made Bible College, worked for relevant to the complicated world they are preparing 39 years in corrections, to enter, and where the gifts of music, community serving as the head of nu- and belonging greet every child that walks through merous correctional institutions, in- the door. Thank you Rockway!” ~ Larry Willms, Rockway Parent since 2013 cluding director of the Saskatoon Abigail Willms, Class of 2017 Correctional Centre, warden of the Jonah Willms, Class of 2022 Saskatchewan Penitentiary and executive director of the Regional Psychiatric Register at www.rockway.ca Centre in Saskatoon. He is known as a compassionate, principled and respected Rockway Mennonite Collegiate 110 Doon Road | Kitchener | ON | N2G 3C8 leader who worked to reduce harm, vio- www.rockway.ca | 519.743.5209 lence and recidivism. Guenther’s volun- #lifeatRockway Charitable #: 119122091RR0001 teer work includes service on the board of Saskatoon Community Mediation and the advisory committee for Circles of Support and Accountability. He and his wife Marilyn live in Saskatoon and attend Nutana Park Mennonite Church.

• Brad Leitch (nee Langendoen), a 2013 CMU grad, is an award-winning filmmaker and peacebuilder who approaches difficult topics with empathy, compassion, deep listening and boundless energy. He is the executive producer and founder of Rebel Sky Media, a film and video production company in Winnipeg. His directorial work has explored topics of peace and justice in Canada, Iraqi-Kurdistan, Israel, Palestine and the United Kingdom. His work is currently featured in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, and in a permanent exhibit at the Pier 21 Museum of Immigration in Halifax. Leitch and his wife Adrienne attend Hope Mennonite Church in Winnipeg. —Canadian Mennonite University 24 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

program welcomed 16 new students, with Schools report on 2016 34 in total. More than 260 University of Waterloo students are connected to fall enrolment Grebel’s residence program this year, with about 40 percent coming from Mennonite or Anabaptist backgrounds. By retaining CMU has 196 new students and 222 returning 40 percent upper-year students in resi- Preliminary fall enrolment figures at students. A brand new diploma in general dence and continuing to relate with many Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) studies started off strong this fall with 17 senior students living off campus or in the in Winnipeg show stability of student students, and the regular bachelor of arts, college’s apartments, Grebel’s inclusive registrations across all programs, with diploma and certificate programs continue atmosphere and community traditions are an overall full-time equivalent (FTE) of to see steady growth. Residence numbers passed on from generation to generation. 829. Fall registrations at the university’s grew, especially for female students. Shaftesbury campus have increased over AMBS last year by 2 percent, with 630 students Conrad Grebel University College Enrolment at Anabaptist Mennonite and a FTE of 561. Marginal growth reflects Undergraduate course enrolments at Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., for the an increase in international student en- Grebel, in Waterloo, Ont., for the fall 2016-17 school year stands at 99 gradu- rolment. Registrations at CMU’s down- 2016 term are at approximately 1,540, up ate students, down slightly from 102 town site, Menno Simons College, also are 4 percent from last year. Grebel’s gradu- students last year. Twenty-one of those stable, with a FTE of 268. ate program enrolments have exceeded are international students representing expectations, with 64 graduate students 14 countries: Canada, Nepal, Ethiopia, Columbia Bible College on campus this year, an 8 percent increase Chile, Kenya, Japan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, from the previous year. The master of theo- Germany, Nigeria, South Korea, Honduras, B.C., has seen exciting growth this year, logical studies program welcomed 12 new India and Australia. Six of the international with a 14 percent increase in new students, students, with 30 students in total, and students are studying online. and a 3 percent overall growth. Columbia the master of peace and conflict studies EMU Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., welcomed 223 first- High-Quality Academics in a Faith-Filled Community... year students with historically high grade Discover CMU point average and Scholastic Aptitude Test/American College Testing scores. Graduate programs enrolled 512 students. A total of 1,880 students are enrolled in one or more classes. This number includes all students—from traditional undergraduate students to non-traditional students in adult degree completion programs; part- and full-time students in graduate programs at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and in EMU’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies; and students in the intensive English program, as well as those taking non-credit courses in a variety of programs. Goshen College Goshen (Ind.) College has achieved in- Arts • Science • Business • Music creased enrolment again this fall, with 870 students, an increase of nearly 4 percent. Growth occurred in incoming first-year Find your place students and graduate students, as well as greater retention and diversity. The in- CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY cmu.ca coming Goshen College first-year class is 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, MB Canada R3P 2N2 the largest since 2009 and nearly 6 percent Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 25 Focus on Education GOSHEN COLLEGE PHOTOS BY BRIAN YODER SCHLABACH

Janeth Vela, centre, a senior from Goshen, Ind., high- fives Molly Zook, left,, a senior from Doylestown, Ohio, during the annual applause tunnel following the opening Goshen College president Jim Brenneman gives his final convocation at Goshen College. Brynn Godshall, right, a opening convocation address entitled ‘Until my dying senior from Lancaster, Pa., looks on. The applause tunnel breath: A passion for learning,’ on Aug. 31. Read the tradition is a way to welcome new and returning students. full speech online at bit.ly/goshen-president-speech.

larger than last year’s class. The total of Goshen’s graduate programs increased organizational leadership, social work and number of new traditional undergradu- slightly, from 66 students last year to 70 nursing. l ate students on campus this fall is 227. students this year. The college enrolled 98 Students pursuing master’s degrees in one students in adult programs, which include —Compiled by Ross W. Muir

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Conrad Grebel University College Conrad Grebel 140 Westmount Road North University College Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G6 519-885-0220 | [email protected] 26 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016 Promotional Supplement Schools Directory featuring Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Elementary/Secondary It takes a village Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Menno Simons Christian School PHOTO BY HELEN JANZEN Integrating sound academic learning with growth in character, faith and service to God. hen Westgate Mennonite Collegiate CALGARY, ALBERTA | www.mennosimonschristianschool.ca Win Winnipeg needed to move to an An Education for Life! alternative space for a year, as a result of a $10.5 million redevelopment project currently underway at its permanent location, the community stepped forward to make the move a reality. Bethel Mennonite Church gave the school storage space and a place to hold its end-of-year events this past spring; Douglas Mennonite Church gave the school office space to use during the summer; Charleswood Demolishing of the 1950s sections of 86 Mennonite Church has opened its doors so West Gate in early August. that Westgate can hold special events there; and Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church has given Westgate the use of its kitchen, so the Additionally, an Anglican church and school can still offer students lunch. (Continued on page 30) Post-Secondary Rosthern Junior College Christian Day & Residence HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 10-12)

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Arts • Science • Business • Music Find your place www.westgatemennonite.ca CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY cmu.ca Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 27

young voices Bearing witness to something greater For Krista Loewen, working as a pastor is a privilege young By Aaron Epp voices Young Voices Editor PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRISTA LOEWEN

n recent months, Krista Loewen has about how she felt as though she had never Ibeen thinking a lot about Jeremiah felt God before. “Can you let me know that 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have you’re with me?” she asked. for you, says the Lord, plans for your wel- She immediately felt God’s presence. fare and not for harm, to give you a future Goosebumps formed all over her arms, with hope.” and she began to cry. “I don’t remember For Loewen, who serves as associate what the primary emotion was,” Loewen pastor of Wildwood Mennonite Church says. “My guess is that it was a sense of re- in Saskatoon, the verse provides assur- lief, maybe, or surrendering—knowing I ance. “I feel like I’m going to be continu- was doing something that was connecting ally discerning whether or not I should be with God in some way. It was a strong Krista Loewen, pictured with her a pastor,” the 26-year-old says. “I struggle sense of God being with me.” husband David Epp, never thought she with vocation and calling, so it’s helpful to The experience was formative for would become a pastor. remind myself that God has a plan for me.” Loewen. “I’d asked to feel God’s presence Growing up in Fort Langley, B.C., and then when I prayed, I felt something,” Loewen never seriously considered going she says. “For me, that was a good indicator into formal ministry. “A pretty common that God was real and there in my life.” thread in my story is that I never thought I Loewen had aspirations to become a would be a pastor,” she says. “I continually nurse, and after high school she was ac- told myself that wasn’t for me.” cepted into a nursing program in B.C. She Asked to describe her faith journey, deferred for a year so she could study at Loewen says, “I’m the product of a lot of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) the typical Mennonite programs for young in Winnipeg. A year at CMU turned into people.” She went to church with her family a few years, and she graduated from the at Langley Mennonite Fellowship, spent university with a bachelor of arts degree, summers at Camp Squeah, and partici- double majoring in biblical and theological pated in !Explore, Anabaptist Mennonite studies as well as peace and conflict trans- Biblical Seminary’s theological program formation studies. for high-school youth. While studying at CMU, Loewen “I wouldn’t say one of them stood out as did a pastoral internship at Lethbridge being the formative thing, but I definitely Mennonite Church in Alberta. It was a participated in a lot of things that made me positive experience, but Loewen left the who I am today,” Loewen says. practicum feeling like she did not want to A powerful moment occurred in jun- become a pastor. “I think it was because I ior high when, after coming home from didn’t have good experiences preaching, the youth group she attended at a local and I think I felt intimidated or nervous Krista Loewen and her colleague, Pastor Mennonite Brethren church, she was pray- to do ‘real’ pastor things . . . like hospi- Joe Heikman, lead a baby dedication ing. She describes it as having a conversa- tal visits,” she says. “I just didn’t feel an service at Wildwood Mennonite Church tion with God, and she remembers talking (Continued on page 28) in Saskatoon. 28 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016

(Continued from page 27) adds, are beyond her control. “The things overwhelming call.” I remember the most are when I feel God Still, two years later, when she was look- shows up and does more of the work [and ing to move to Saskatchewan to be with it’s] not me doing the work.” her fiancé—now husband—David Epp, One such instance happened this Loewen applied to work at Wildwood past July when Loewen was co-leading Mennonite. At the time, it was largely #CovenantCrew2.0, the Mennonite a matter of needing a job. Today, she Church Canada youth assembly. During thoroughly enjoys her role as one of the the first afternoon of their canoe trip, an church’s pastors. intense rainstorm started just as everyone Although she never saw herself going was setting up their tents. Loewen thought into formal ministry, Loewen feels hon- the rainstorm would dampen everyone’s oured to work in the church. “I feel privi- enthusiasm, but the rain soon cleared and leged that the job I have requires me to be a gigantic rainbow appeared in the sky. It attentive to my faith, because I think it’s was fitting, given that they had just fin- really easy to forget about taking care of my ished talking about God’s promise to Noah Krista Loewen gets silly with Wildwood own spiritual self,” she says, adding that she in Genesis. Mennonite Church’s youth group. also feels privileged that she gets to walk “When those moments happen, it alongside people and play a part in their [shows me] there’s something so much faith formation: “A lot of times, God is do- greater happening than what I am doing,” ing something in someone’s life, and I bear Loewen says. “I really cherish those mo- witness to that on a semi-regular basis.” ments.” l The best moments in ministry, she PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAELA LOEWEN Growing up on record Winnipeg singer-songwriter Michaela Loewen makes her recording debut with Currents

By Aaron Epp Young Voices Editor

or some people, writing a song is a multi-platinum-selling Crash Test Flaborious process. Not for Michaela Dummies, assembled the band. They Michaela Loewen started writing songs Loewen. Most of the time, the music and began rehearsing Loewen’s songs two years when she was 12 years old. lyrics come to her in under half an hour. ago this fall. Recording began in July 2015 “I know if I can write it in 20 minutes or and concluded this past February. The al- less, it’s a good one,” the Winnipeg musi- bum was released in August. cian says. “I definitely didn’t think [making the al- Loewen wrote her first song at the age bum] would take as long as it did, but . . . of 12, less than six months after she first I don’t regret it at all,” says Loewen, who picked up a guitar and taught herself to attends Douglas Mennonite Church in play by learning songs by the Beatles, Bob Winnipeg. “There’s a lot of attention to Dylan and Sarah Harmer. detail on the album, and I think it shows.” Now, almost 10 years later, Loewen Many of the songs on Currents are about has released her debut album. Entitled growing up. Currents, the album is a 13-song collec- “The whole album is an amalgamation tion of poppy folk music. Loewen’s guitar of the last five years of my life, going from and vocals are augmented by a full band being 17 or 18 to now—just the process that includes drummer Mitch Dorge, who of sort of becoming my own person and produced and recorded the album at his growing into myself,” says Loewen, who Michaela Loewen’s debut album docu- home studio. turns 22 next month. “Music has always ments the last five years of her life. Dorge, known for his work with the been a big emotional release for me, and Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 29

this album is a collection of a lot of that.” of the kind of performer that can really make She points to “Advice,” a song she wrote a difference in the [music] industry.” for—and performed at—her younger sis- Now that Currents is available, Loewen ter’s high school graduation a few years is looking forward to playing shows in ago, as one of her favourites. “Look around support of the album. She already has and remember all that you have done / experience performing at the Winnipeg Surround yourself with the people you’ve Folk Festival as part of the festival’s Young known since you were young . . . / Just re- Performers program, and she has also member, you’re gonna be okay,” she sings. opened for acclaimed Winnipeg singer- ‘I know if I can write [a song] in 20 minutes or less, it’s a good one.’ (Singer-songwriter Michaela Loewen)

“That’s the song that kick-started . . . songwriter JP Hoe. [me] wanting to do the album,” Loewen Like songwriting, performing comes says. naturally to Loewen. In the days leading Dorge says it was a pleasure working up to a performance she says she can be- with Loewen. He praises her songwriting, come “a very tight ball of anxiety.” But that ‘She has a very strong sense of self. which he describes as simple, to the point all changes once she steps foot on stage. There’s no pretence,’ Currents producer and extremely honest, adding, Loewen has “As soon as I’m on the stage and singing, Mitch Dorge says of Michaela Loewen. a talent “beyond her years.” I’m the calmest, happiest person on the “She’s a very wonderful, gifted personal- Earth,” she says. l ity,” the producer says. “I think part of it is because she has a very strong sense of self. To learn more about Michaela There’s no pretence when you’re working Loewen’s music, visit with her. She has all the ingredients, I believe, michaelaloewen.com.

CM seeks reader suggestions for upcoming ‘10 under 30’ feature

anadian Mennonite wants to know about the young • Be Active in a Mennonite Church Canada Cadults who are making a difference in your church congregation. or community. • Have a gift or skill that benefits the church or In a special feature we will publish in the new year, community. Canadian Mennonite will feature 10 young people • Be Able to articulate their faith and how they have from across Canada who care about and support the experienced God. church—10 emerging Mennonite leaders who are work- • Show care for others through acts of service or ing to make the world a better place. volunteering. If you know young people who make the church or • Not have been profiled in Canadian Mennonite community better, whether it’s through pastoral min- in the past three years. istry, activism, community work, visual art, music, business, farming, politics, the world wide web, or in some When sending in your suggestion, include as much other way, and meet the following criteria, we want information about the person as you can, as well as the to hear about them. Send an email to youngvoices@ person’s contact information. canadianmennonite.org by the end of the day on Nov. 4. We won’t be able to feature everyone we hear about, but our hope is to expose readers to some bright young All nominees must: people they may not have heard about before. • Be 30 years old or younger. We look forward to hearing from you. 30 Canadian Mennonite October 10, 2016 Promotional Supplement

Mennonite Church, Winkler; (30) Λ Calendar Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg. For (Continued from page 26) to use was all of a sudden no Λ British Columbia more information, email camps@ a United church close to longer available. mennochurch.mb.ca. Westgate’s temporary location Westgate principal Bob Oct. 22: MC B.C. congregational Oct. 30: “Along the road to freedom” have both given the school Hummelt is extremely thankful gathering to discuss the BFC7 decision exhibition opening celebration at additional space in which to for the outpouring of generos- in Saskatoon, at Emmanuel Mennonite, the Manitoba Legislative Building, hold classes. ity that has made moving to a Abbotsford, at 9:30 a.m. Winnipeg, at 2:30 p.m. Westgate, which has more temporary location a reality. Oct. 30: MC B.C. hymn sing fundraiser, Oct. 30: The Mennonite Community than 300 students in grades 7 “At Westgate, our mission is at Level Ground Mennonite Church, Orchestra performs works by Elgar and to 12, is holding classes during to equip students to be people Abbotsford, at 3 p.m. Vaughan Williams, in the CMU chapel, the 2016-17 school year at of God,” Hummelt says. “To Nov. 18-20: MC B.C. “Impact” youth Winnipeg, at 3 p.m. Also featured is the site of what used to be an have the churches assist us retreat, at Camp Squeah, Hope. CMU student Breanna Heinrichs. Nov. 2: CMU Face2Face Conversation elementary school. Westgate in this somewhat critical and Saskatchewan Series: “Why beauty matters: Radical found the location after a short essential time shows us that amazement, spirituality and the climate and somewhat stressful search people are behind the mission Oct. 20-23: Bryan Moyer Suderman crisis,” with Tim Rogalsky, Ph.D. that resulted when the building of the school.” will give three concerts and participate Nov. 4,5: Canadian Foodgrains the school had initially planned in the fall Pastors Gathering and Bank fundraising concerts with the Equipping Day. Contact MC Sask for Mennonite Collegiate Choir and the information. Steinbach Regional Secondary Choir: Oct. 22: RJC corporation meeting, and (4) at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, appreciation/fundraising banquet, at Winkler, at 7 p.m.; (5) Springfield Λ UpComing 5 p.m. Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, at 7 Λ Oct. 22: Equipping Day, Living the p.m. ‘Theology of lament’ the focus of Good News with Jesus, at Mount Royal Nov. 4,25: CMU campus visit day. 2016 Thiessen lecture series Mennonite Church. For more information, visit cmu.ca/ Oct. 28: MDS awareness and campusvisit. WINNIPEG—This year’s J.J. Thiessen fundraising event, at Nutana Park Nov. 15: “Evening at the arts,” at St. lecture series at Canadian Mennonite Mennonite Church, Saskatoon; supper Mary’s Anglican Church, Winnipeg, University, to be held over Oct. 25 and at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, call at 7 p.m. 26, is entitled “The silence of Abraham, 306-342-4344. the passion of Job: Explorations in the Oct. 28: Mega Menno Halloween Ontario theology of lament.” This year’s lectur- Event for youth grades 6-12 at er, Richard J. Middleton, Ph.D., is cur- Wildwood Mennonite Church, 7-9 Oct. 16: The Detweiler Meetinghouse is holding its fifth annual “Male chorus rently professor of biblical worldview Richard J. Middleton p.m. sing,” at 2:30 p.m. Led by Bob Shantz. and exegesis at Northeastern Seminary Oct. 28-29: RJC alumni volleyball tournament. Oct. 20: Conrad Grebel University in Rochester, N.Y., and adjunct profes- Nov. 15: RJC kielke and sausage supper, College, Waterloo, hosts the launch sor of Old Testament at the Caribbean Graduate School of at Bethany Manor, Saskatoon. of “Out of Place: Social Exclusion and Theology in Kingston, Jamaica. The three-part lecture series Mennonite Migrants in Canada” by will feature an engagement with the Psalms and suffering, a Manitoba author Luann Good Gingrich, at 7 p.m. look at Abraham’s loss of his son and his agency, and reflec- The evening will include remarks by tions of the wisdom within Job’s lamentation. A past presi- Oct. 21: CMU open house for the author, a book signing and panel dent of the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association, prospective students. For more discussion. Middleton’s academic career weaves explorations of biblical information, visit cmu.ca/campusvisit. Oct. 20-22: Ten Thousand Villages festival sale at Hamilton Mennonite creation theology, theological understandings of suffering, Oct. 25-26: CMU’s J.J. Thiessen Lecture Series: “The silence of Abraham, the Church: (20,21) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and the interplay of human and divine power in Scripture and (22) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homemade within biblical narratives. The series was launched in 1978 by passion of Job: Explorations in the theology of lament,” with J. Richard soup and desserts available in the Canadian Mennonite Bible College to honour and build on Middleton, Ph.D. Villages Café. the legacy of a founder and chair of its general board, Jacob Oct. 28-29: “Mennonites, land and Oct. 30: Menno Singers present Johann (J.J.) Thiessen. the environment: A global history “Romantic Rarities,” featuring Widor’s —By Matt Veith conference,” at the University of “Mass for Two Choirs and Two Organs,” Winnipeg. More information at http:// at Church of St. John the Evangelist, This lecture series will be made available for online mennonitestudies.uwinnipeg.ca/ Kitchener, at 3 p.m. viewing in the weeks following its conclusion, with events/. Nov. 3: The Benjamin Eby Lecture, a video archive of past lectures available at goo. Oct. 29,30: MC Manitoba’s Camps at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, at 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Jeremy gl/9rj2KI. with Meaning celebration banquets at 5:30 p.m.; (29) Emmanuel Bergen. Topic: “Christians killing Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 20 31

Christians: Martyrdom and the disunity To ensure timely publication of of the church.” upcoming events, please send Nov. 5,6: Pax Christi Chorale, with Calendar announcements eight the Bicycle Opera Project, presents weeks in advance of the event Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,” at Grace date by e-mail to calendar@ Church-on-the-Hill, Toronto; (5) 7:30 canadianmennonite.org. For more p.m.; (6) 3 p.m. Calendar listings online, Nov. 11-13: Marriage Encounter visit canadianmennonite. weekend for couples at Monastery org/churchcalendar. of Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre, Niagara Falls. For information, go to The Board of Governors of Conrad Grebel University marriageencounterec.com or call College invites applications and nominations for 519-669-8667. the position of ΛΛClassifieds PRESIDENT Announcement Conrad Grebel University College, founded by the Advertising Mennonite church, is affiliated with, and situated Information on the campus of, the University of Waterloo. Contact The mission and programs of the College are D. Michael Hostetler rooted in and inspired by its Christian identity and its Anabaptist/Mennonite heritage. The 1-800-378-2524 x.224 College offers undergraduate courses in History, advert@ Mennonite Studies, Music, Peace and Conflict canadianmennonite.org Studies, Religious Studies, and Sociology, and has graduate programs in Theological Studies and in Employment Opportunities Peace and Conflict Studies. The College residence houses 174 students, from across all University of EmploymentEmployment Waterloo faculties, in a dynamic community. opportunityopportunity The board is seeking a strategic, energetic, creative, and collaborative leader who will ExecutiveExecutive Editor,Editor, PublisherPublisher consolidate and extend program strengths, foster CanadianCanadian MennoniteMennonite,, anan independent,independent, church-supportedchurch-supported publipubli-- academic excellence, and advance relationships of cation,cation, isis invitinginviting candidatecandidate applicationsapplications forfor twotwo keykey positions:positions: the College with the world-renowned University of Waterloo and the broader community. ExecutiveExecutive Editor Editor (60%) (60%) willwill guideguide andand directdirect thethe magazine,magazine, website,website, socialsocial mediamedia andand otherother day-to-dayday-to-day publishingpublishing activitiesactivities ofof CanadianCanadian MennoniteMennonite.. For further information about the College, position PPublisherublisher (40%) (40%) willwill havehave overalloverall responsibilityresponsibility forfor CanadianCanadian description and application procedures, see MennoniteMennonite’s’s printprint andand digitaldigital publishingpublishing activities;activities; forfor itsits finanfinan-- www.grebel.ca/positions. Review of applications cialcial health;health; andand forfor providingproviding aa visionvision andand strategystrategy forfor growth.growth. will begin December 1, 2016, and will continue ThTheseese positionspositions maymay bebe combinedcombined inin thethe rightright candidatecandidate andand areare until the position is filled. The College is committed open to all qualified applicants. open to all qualified applicants. to employment equity and welcomes applications SSeeee canadianmennonite.org/positionscanadianmennonite.org/positions forfor fullfull informationinformation andand from all qualified persons; however, Canadians job descriptions. Applications close December 15, 2016. job descriptions. Applications close December 15, 2016. and permanent residents will be given priority.

All inquiries will be kept in confidence and should August 17, 2015 September 15, 2014 Volume 19 Number 16 Volume 18 Number 18 August 17, 2015 September 15, 2014 Volume 19 Number 16 Volume 18 Number 18 be addressed to the Presidential Search Committee, ein një birein адзінnjë jedanbir chaired by Fred Redekop, at unoадзін jedan Are we oneuno pg.Are 4 we một pg. 4 одинoneộ “Walking ettm t [email protected]. mojaодин “Walking ett withMennonite World God” Conference mid ka mid Assembly coverage begins on page 4. moja um withMennonite World God” Conference mid једанka mid Assembly coverage begins on page 4. um један inside ‘An energizing event’ 25 inside Pastors in transition 29 Walking with God 4 Slowing church down 26 PM40063104 R09613

PM40063104 R09613 Photo Essay 35-37 inside Refined by fire 29 ‘An energizing event’ 25 inside Pastors in transition 29 Walking with God 4 Slowing church down 26 PM40063104 R09613 PM40063104 R09613 Photo Essay 35-37 www.grebel.ca/positions Refined by fire 29 (ABOVE) Alejandro Aranda, left, a Cuernavaca-based artist who has dedicated much of his career siding with marginal- ized indigenous Mexicans, and Ray Dirks, curator of the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg, in front of Aranda’s etching, ‘Woman of palm nesting hope.’ (AT RIGHT) ‘Woman of palm nesting hope’ by Alejandro Aranda. ‘We are your future/Somos su futuro’

By Ray Dirks Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery WINNIPEG

e Are Your Future/Somos Su Futuro” opened at the “WMennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg on Sept. 9. The exhibition focusses on the lives of women from the indigenous community of Tlamacazapa, Guerrero, Mexico. It features etchings by Cuernavaca artist Alejandro Aranda and watercolour paintings by gallery curator Ray Dirks, along with palm weaving by 30 women from Tlamacazapa. Four visitors from Mexico, including Aranda and two Tlamacazapa weavers, attended the opening and other events in the gallery and at Morden Mennonite Church and Winkler’s Covenant Mennonite Church. Also attending was Susan Smith, director of Atzin Mexico, the organizer of the exhibition. Ruth and David Wiens, formerly of Covenant Mennonite and long-time volunteers with Atzin, initiated the contact with Dirks about 10 years ago, which eventually led to the exhibition. The exhibition has already toured in Mexico. It will be at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery until Nov. 12, and then Berta Fermin Procopio creates a basket in a traditional home heads to Hamilton, Ont. l that has been constructed in the gallery. It was shipped in myriad pieces to Winnipeg from Mexico along with the art. For more photos, visit canadianmennonite.org/ More than half the population of Tlamacazapa still live in somos-su-futuro. ‘cornstalk houses.’

‘COURAGE, PEACE, STRENGTH TO YOU’ (DETAIL), BY RAY DIRKS